Parkes and Peak Hill residents can once again enjoy the benefits of a fluoridated water supply as a new fluoridation scheme at the Parkes Water Treatment Plant has been approved by the NSW Ministry of Health. Fluoride is a naturally occurring component of mineral salts, and is found in rocks, soil, and natural water sources. Water
fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to an optimal level in order to reduce tooth decay.
In NSW 93% of the population have access to fluoridated water.
Parkes first adopted a fluoridation scheme in 1964, which was operated as part of the old water treatment plant until its decommissioning last year. A new fluoridation scheme has since been established to service the new Water Treatment Plant. Parkes Shire Council Director of Infrastructure Andrew Francis said; “We are very happy to
be resuming fluoridation for the residents of Parkes and Peak Hill. The new scheme meets strict government regulations.”
The plant was inspected by the NSW Department of Industry Water as part of the approval process to ensure it meets the requirements of the NSW Code of Practice for the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies.
In addition, NSW Health has provided a grant of $435,000 for the fluoridation scheme. “The grant covers the cost of establishing the fluoridation system,” said Andrew.
Once the fluoridation scheme is commissioned, Parkes Shire Council will host specialist fluoridation workshops in the new Water Treatment Plant’s training room during September and October. Treatment plant operators from around the region will be invited to undertake fluoridation certification using the new plant for the practical component.